Yesterday, I had the pleasure of performing at "Ongaku Sanpo," a music event held in Hanno, Saitama!
Although my performance was scheduled for later in the day, I arrived at the venue around 1:00 PM to soak in the atmosphere. By that time, the various stages were already buzzing with energy, as both the audience and musicians brought the town to life with music. The entire city felt like it was wrapped in a beautiful, musical embrace. It was also a joy to reconnect with many musicians I had performed with before!
My first stage began at 3:10 PM, featuring a trio with violinist Mizuyo Kawamata and bassist Takumi Watanabe. We performed a set centered on swing jazz classics from its golden era. Since jazz violin is a relatively rare instrument in this genre, I was excited to introduce this unique sound to the audience.
And then—something truly special happened! The incredible singer Ann Sally made a surprise guest appearance during our trio's set. Her warm, embracing voice added an extra layer of magic to our performance, creating an unforgettable moment. I could see the audience completely captivated, and I, too, was deeply moved by the atmosphere.
Next, I took the stage with the Honey Syrup Big Band.
Our setlist included big band staples like Take The A Train and In The Mood, alongside well-loved animation tunes such as Monsters, Inc. and Winnie the Pooh. These selections helped make the performance enjoyable for a wide audience, including those who might not typically listen to jazz, as well as families with young children.
Despite the different setting, our band members delivered an outstanding performance. Their ability to adapt and bring out the best in every live situation is a testament to their experience and dedication. Watching them grow into such solid and confident musicians made me incredibly proud.
The grand finale of the event featured a stunning performance by Hajime to Ouji, with Ann Sally, trumpeter Norihiko Iida (who invited me to this event), and vocalist Noon joining in. It was a spontaneous, high-level jam session that showcased each musician’s artistry while maintaining perfect harmony. The thrilling interplay of improvisation and chemistry among the performers made for an electrifying close to the night.
Although this was the very first Ongaku Sanpo, the energy of the audience and the overall quality of the event made it a clear success.
A huge thank you to the organizers, fellow musicians, and everyone who attended. I am incredibly grateful to have been part of such a wonderful day.
I sincerely hope this event continues to grow and bring people closer to music.
And of course—I can’t wait to come back next year! 🎶🎵
